About Chelsa

Chelsa Wagner was first elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2006 and is currently finishing her second term in office.  She serves on the Education, Judiciary, Transportation and Urban Affairs Committees, and focuses her legislative initiatives in these areas.   She also serves as Secretary-Treasurer of the Allegheny County Democratic Delegation.  Chelsa is currently the only woman serving Allegheny County in the PA House.

As a legislator, Chelsa has established herself as an ethical leader who never forgets that her sole purpose in government is public service.  Since taking office, Chelsa has quickly made a mark on both Harrisburg and local government.  By using her professional experience as an attorney and policy analyst, Chelsa has been a constructive advocate for Pennsylvania, Allegheny County and the City of Pittsburgh.  Chelsa is known among her peers and constituents as someone who is not afraid to ask the tough questions and make tough decisions.  That is precisely why Chelsa sought office.  Chelsa not only gave up a more lucrative career in the private sector to pursue her passion of public advocacy, but also moved back to Pittsburgh for the same reason. So she could advocate on behalf of the community that means the most to her.

Chelsa has continued to advocate strongly for the reform agenda she was first elected on and which has moved far too slowly in Harrisburg. She supports a smaller and more efficient state legislature and is actively working to eliminate pay-to-play politics by implementing strong campaign contribution limits.  

Chelsa's leadership in her district has been evident in the communities she represents. She led the fight to stop the closings of neighborhood library branches and to devote gaming revenues to strengthening the library system. She has been an innovative leader in the area of collaboration between communities, initiating efforts that have led to prestigious grants for planning along the 'T' light rail line and the Route 51 corridor.

Prior to being elected, Chelsa worked first as a policy analyst reforming large state and city governments, then later as an attorney in private practice.  Chelsa is a graduate of the University of Chicago, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Public Policy and was a member of the Women's Varsity Basketball Team.  She received her law degree from the University of Pittsburgh, where she was the recipient of the Community Service Award for her advocacy work on behalf of abused and neglected children.  

Born and raised in Beechview, Chelsa is a graduate of St. Catherine of Siena Grade School and Seton-LaSalle High School. Chelsa and her husband welcomed their first son in 2009. She became the first Pennsylvania legislator in more than 20 years and the first ever Democrat to give birth while in office.  The family resides in Brookline. 

When not working or campaigning, Chelsa enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, playing basketball and running.  She completed her first marathon in 2005, and was instrumental in the return of the Pittsburgh Marathon in 2009 as a board member.